IMPROVED SENSITIVITY OF DIRECT MICROSCOPY FOR ACID-FAST BACILLI - SEDIMENTATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CENTRIFUGATION FOR CONCENTRATION OF TUBERCLE-BACILLI

There is a great need for improved methods for the diagnosis of tuberc ulosis by techniques that are appropriate for control programs in low- income countries. Liquefaction of sputum,vith sodium hypochlorite foll owed by concentration of bacilli through overnight sedimentation signi ficantly increases the sensitivity of direct microscopy, and this meth od could be an alternative for diagnostic centers not equipped with a centrifuge.